Cards Force Game 5, But Spry Squirrel Steals the Show
With each post I write that criticizes the St. Louis Cardinals in some capacity, whether it be the bullpen or cranky Albert, they always seem to end up winning. So I guess the question is, what do I say in the post for tomorrow’s pivotal Game 5? I’ll take your suggestions in the comments.
Things didn’t look so promising to begin last night’s almost-prime-time game after the Phillies put up two runs in the first inning, but Edwin Jackson recovered nicely and proceeded to throw five shutout innings before handing things over to the bullpen. The Cards went on to win by a score of 5-3. The story for the Cardinals offensively was David ‘Don’t-Call-Me-John‘ Freese, who smacked a 2-run double in the fourth and launched a 2-run homer in the sixth. A huge game for sure, though no one could top the return of the St. Louis Squirrel. The athletic little fella did an impressive wind sprint directly across home plate as Roy Oswalt delivered a pitch to 1960s sitcom star Skip Schumaker. It was called a ball despite the squirrely circumstances. Here’s Oswalt:
“I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not have a pitch,” Oswalt said. “I got distracted. I didn’t really know that would be a pitch. If it ran up the guy’s leg, would he have called the pitch for a strike? It’s hard to say.”
Yes, Oswalt, who probably has a similar palette to that of cousin Eddie, later chased the squirrel throughout the streets of St. Louis.
The squirrel even made the front page of Yahoo Sports:
D-Backs 10, Brewers 6 — Randy Wolf is a huge fan of winner take all circumstances, so that was part of his inspiration to allow seven runs on eight hits in three innings of tossing meatballs. Please take care of these guys in Game 5, Milwaukee. We’re all giddy for a Phillies-Brewers NLCS.
And finally, this is what a few weeks of Yardwork does to the desktop of my Mac. Last night felt like the proper time to clean it up and put everything into its proper folder. It is now spotless:
[Vid via @cjzero]

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89 Responses to “Cards Force Game 5, But Spry Squirrel Steals the Show”
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October 6th, 2011 at 10:40 AM
“I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not have a pitch,” Oswalt said. “I got distracted. I didn’t really know that would be a pitch. If it ran up the guy’s leg, would he have called the pitch for a strike? It’s hard to say.”
Is Oswalt channeling his best Tony LaRussa there? The pitch was almost across the plate before the squirrel got anywhere near the batter. No way it had an effect on Oswalt’s pitch.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I expect a Derek Jeter wallpaper on that laptop.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Ryan Howard is just killing me right now.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:05 AM
And finally, this is what a few weeks of Yardwork does to the desktop of my Mac.
Oh, look at you with your fancy Mac!
If it ran up the guy’s leg, would he have called the pitch for a strike?
Unwritten baseball law: if a runner can go around the bases with a squirrel up his pants, he scores 3 runs.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:05 AM
The squirrel is being paid by LaRussa.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:05 AM
This is some awesome playoff baseball!
I don’t think I have gone to bed before midnight all week
October 6th, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Nice to know my 60+ year old parents are more organized and tech-savvy than The Sports Hernia
October 6th, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Oh my God Mac desktops are so ugly
/continuing the theme
//seriously though, do you not like folders?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Apparently one of those methheads out in St. Louis thought it was funny to unleash some squirrels in the stadium. I demand immediate forfeiture of that game and for St. Louis to be wiped off the map via Independence Day.
/nervous
October 6th, 2011 at 11:07 AM
Got a lot of balls in the air, pal, no time to click and drag.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:08 AM
2016…25 million per year. Worst contract ever.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:08 AM
It’s all clean now CJ, but I do enjoy surrounding myself in chaos.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Yeah dudes, he’s busy calling into local sports talk radio shows and stammering a comment out.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Go Cardinals!
October 6th, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Poor squirrel… He must have been super scared!
October 6th, 2011 at 11:09 AM
People under 60 still have PCs?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Squirly Pujols
October 6th, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I especially like all the pictures of your close friends and family.
/obscure TV quotation
October 6th, 2011 at 11:11 AM
And people wonder why Apple people annoy me
October 6th, 2011 at 11:11 AM
I used to think squirrels were cute little forest creatures.
That is, until one got into my attic. Fucking. Nightmare.
Now, they are simply rats with fuzzy tails. And I confess to not hitting the brakes when one runs across my path when driving.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:11 AM
People under 60 like video games.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I appreciate that didn’t say “PC’s”
October 6th, 2011 at 11:12 AM
People with jobs do.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:12 AM
People under 60 still have PCs?
Sorry, I can’t afford a $1400 computer when I can buy something that does the same thing for $600. Elitist punk.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Had to use a Mac at my first job. Torture.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Seriously though. When my parents got a Mac about six months ago I assumed the nationwide transition was complete.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I need one of those nice, dominating CG shutouts from Halladay on Friday.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:13 AM
When I first started in science, it was mostly Macs that people had. By now, I’d say 75%+ PCs, and most of the widely distributed software is for PCs first.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I bought an air rifle last march and I’ve killed 8 squirrels in my backyard since then. I have no pity for those little bastards. cleaning nut-shells out of the gutters every couple weeks in the fall reinforces that feeling of hate.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Seriously though. When my parents got a Mac about six months ago I assumed the nationwide transition was complete.
I’ve spent maybe two hours on a Mac my entire life. I’m a simpleton I guess.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
You’re just resistant to change.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Just like Ryan Howard had last night?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Not as spry as Granny.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
It’s all Macs here. There’s one PC. It’s in the basement next to Milton’s stapler.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:14 AM
get me a Mac that will operate autocad and I will gladly get one.
/I hate my job
October 6th, 2011 at 11:15 AM
my dog came to the door the other day with a live squirrel in her mouth. it was pretty odd.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Fuck all of you squirrel haters.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:15 AM
let me go make you some sandwiches
October 6th, 2011 at 11:15 AM
For the average computer user like me, what does a Mac do that’s so much better than a PC? (Or is worth the extra $800?) Since I started college in 2003, I’ve had 2 laptop PC’s, both of which suited me just fine. Never had an issue.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:16 AM
My mom finally got one. Sadly, she also learned how to use Skype. I am going to stab my brother’s wife for teaching her how to use that.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Just about everywhere I’ve worked, the only people who were able to weasel Macs were marketing types.
/burns office down
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I love this squirrel. He really gives himself up during his sprints. All heart.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
For the average computer user like me, what does a Mac do that’s so much better than a PC? (Or is worth the extra $800?)
when you use a MAC, your farts smell better.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Anyone else think that iTunes being available for Windows makes a big difference in how many people get PCs vs. Macs? Apple used multi-platform software to gain market saturation, but should have gradually pulled iTunes support for Windows for ‘advanced’ features, and use the iPod to draw more business to the Mac computers.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
People under 60 still have PCs?
I got twice the computing power from a $800 Dell than I would have for a $1200 Mac. Bigger screen too.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I’ll have you know my dad practically has a farm of squirrels in his back yard, and they’re all fat fucks because he keeps food out there for them. Grey squirrels, red squirrels (who are complete assholes), even a couple black squirrels and an albino squirrel.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Buried amongst ammo and canned goods I’m sure.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Hey, that squirrel coming into my attic crossed the line.
If he had stayed in the yard and not treat my attic like his/her personal little winter condo, I’d be like Dr. Doolittle in the backyard.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
But then your whole family died of typhoid fever.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Lots of things…
It looks better with your Prius.
It gives you something to talk about with your peers at Traader Joes.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I’ve never had one issue with a Mac, at work or on any I own. PCs always have issues.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:19 AM
+1 month of meager rations
October 6th, 2011 at 11:19 AM
But, he had a hit in game 2, which, like, totally vindicated his entire contract
-TBL http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/10/02/jets-vs-ravens-on-sunday-night-football-of-course-im-worried/#comment-1447139
October 6th, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Ha! this right here.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:20 AM
PCs always have issues.
I’ve never had an issue with a PC, and my brother and sister both had Macs that crapped out on them.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Fuck all of you squirrel haters.
SQUIRREL!!
Anyone else think that iTunes being available for Windows makes a big difference in how many people get PCs vs. Macs? Apple used multi-platform software to gain market saturation, but should have gradually pulled iTunes support for Windows for ‘advanced’ features, and use the iPod to draw more business to the Mac computers.
They make millions more off iTunes on Windows than they would by forcing anyone with an iPod to switch to Mac.
Just look at how the Zune died in the open market. If Apple had restricted use of iTunes/iPods to Mac users, the Zune would still be around.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:21 AM
For the average computer user like me, what does a Mac do that’s so much better than a PC?
for me, going with a little bit more of a Mac price tag outweighed the cons of having to buy virus protection, knowing it would never slow down, could still use Microsoft software, built in wireless (desktop), cool graphics, not having to install drivers, etc were just too much of an advantage over a PC.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Really, if all you’re going to use a computer for is talk on TBL and jerk off, then what difference does it make if its a Mac or a PC? People that like to know what they’re doing with technology (and like video games) are going to use PCs, and the people that don’t care will use Macs.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:22 AM
The iTunes application, itself, runs like a dog on Windows. At least in my experience.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:22 AM
fucking Windows is the worst.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:23 AM
having to buy virus protection
I’ve never bought any sort of virus protection for my PC either, or had to install any drivers that I’m aware of? And cool graphics weren’t worth the extra $800 for me I guess.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:23 AM
But then your whole family died of typhoid fever.
Best Oregon Trail reference ever!
October 6th, 2011 at 11:23 AM
for me, going with a little bit more of a Mac price tag outweighed the cons of having to buy virus protection, knowing it would never slow down, could still use Microsoft software, built in wireless (desktop), cool graphics, not having to install drivers, etc were just too much of an advantage over a PC.
thats the first logical arguement i have heard for owning a mac. now i want one.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Mine doesn’t, you know why? Because I care enough to learn about what the hell I’m doing.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Why is it that squirrels in the road always wait until the last minute to move, and it is usually the direction you wanted to swerve to avoid them?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:24 AM
So true.
I haven’t said this in awhile, so THIS.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Why is it that squirrels in the road always wait until the last minute to move, and it is usually the direction you wanted to swerve to avoid them?
Deer do the same thing except that after you hit them, you get a new car!
October 6th, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Would you trade Howard straight up for Lackey?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Your passion for the ‘puter is unrivaled. But with the Mac, you don’t have to care enough to learn about the insides and functionality of your ‘puter.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Would you trade Howard straight up for Lackey?
Yeah because Boston needs ANOTHER guy who can play first.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:26 AM
because their brains are smaller than a peanut?
October 6th, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Really, if all you’re going to use a computer for is talk on TBL and jerk off, then what difference does it make if its a Mac or a PC?
I honestly think that the answer to that is the iPad. Web browsing, e-mailing, porn and it’s portable.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Nerf Beard is going to upset you again.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Any time there’s a computer issue at home, I get dragged into it.
So, when my son started college this year, I bestowed a Mac to him. My quote to him, verbatim:
“I’m giving you this Mac b/c I don’t know shit about it. You got a problem with it, don’t fucking call me. You need beer money, you can call me anytime.”
/truth
October 6th, 2011 at 11:31 AM
And my answer to that is tablet.
/uses saved $300 dollars on drugs
October 6th, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Oh please, like you never took advantage of an opportunity when one presented itself to you. Your stupid house had a big hole in it that you should have been fixed years ago! If it wasn’t for that squirrel, you could have even bigger problems on your hands right now!
October 6th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Yes, Oswalt, who probably has a similar palette to that of cousin Eddie, later chased the squirrel throughout the streets of St. Louis.
I had tears in my eyes after I read this.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:36 AM
IF you don’t die and are not scared for life after you remove the deer kidney from your lap, and the blood and guts of the deer spray you to form a perfect outline of your body onto your seat.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Nah, it’s rivaled. And I like caring enough to learn about a machine I use at least 8 hours a day. It’s like cars, if you know a thing or two you won’t get ripped off if something needs to get fixed. As opposed to this.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Actually, the squirrel gnawed his way through a piece of wood at the eave of the roof. I was actually kind of impressed.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Maybe if you didn’t lean over to insult me you would have seen it coming! Poor little furry thing.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Squirrels are just rats with poofy tails
Considering I can’t really remember when the last Game 5 in an LDS was this year’s awesome first round has been a welcome surprise…of course Edwin Jackson of all people would keep the Philly bats at bay, baseball makes no sense
October 6th, 2011 at 11:43 AM
IF you don’t die and are not scared for life after you remove the deer kidney from your lap, and the blood and guts of the deer spray you to form a perfect outline of your body onto your seat.
SG. I have wrecked 2 cars and 1 hood of a snowmobile from hitting deer. I grew up in Northern MN where there are more deer than people and I couldn’t afford a truck so I drove small cars that didn’t do well when running into a big deer.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I think hitting a deer with a motorcycle would be the scariest thing ever. Or maybe not because you’d probably be too dead to be scared.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:52 AM
This happened to my uncle a few years ago. He had some serious injuries. Quite a few surgeries. But he’s fine now.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:53 AM
My wife blasted a deer on I-70 a couple of years ago going about 70mph. She said that she never hit the breaks; the thing went across three lanes of traffic and over the median in two jumps and then stopped right in the middle of her lane. The cop told her that she was lucky she was driving a car that sits low to the ground because the deer flew up over the car instead of through the windshield. She hit the thing so hard that it looked like deer fur was growing from the bumper.
/I was out playing golf and ignored my cell phone for an hour after the accident.
October 6th, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Ha. Oh man that must have been a rough week.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:02 PM
I know a dude that hit one on his bike last summer. wrecked the bike, put a huge gash in his helmet, road rash up and down his legs and I think broke his wrist. also killed the deer. with a bike.
October 6th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
I have news for all you Phillie fans, that squirrel was a harbinger of doom. Sixty years from now you’ll be talking about that squirrel like the Cub people talk about their goat. I predict that after the Cardinals beat Hallady and the Phils 9-0 tomorrow night, that the entire city of Philadelphia will see one massive, genocidal squirrel apocalypse.